Lakshadweep, the pristine pearl of the Arabian Sea, is one of India’s most unique locales beckoning curious travelers worldwide. Sitting isolated off the southwestern coast of mainland India, this group of palm-fringed coral islands showcases the country’s spectacular biodiversity and rich culture untouched by commercialization. The convenience and comforts of modern life are virtually absent here, but what awaits you is an experience like no other. The magical view of untouched powdery white beaches surrounded by the Arabian Sea will greet you in a way that will stir the wanderer within you. Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s discover how you go to this heaven of the Arabian Sea!
How to Reach Lakshadweep
Kochi is the gateway to Lakshadweep for all tourist purposes. You can reach Kochi by air, rail, or road from different parts of the country. Kochi has an international airport that connects it to major cities in India and abroad. Kochi also has two railway stations: Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town. Kochi is well connected by road to other cities in Kerala and neighboring states. From Kochi, You can reach Lakshadweep by air and water only. It lies about 400 km away from the western coast of India in the Arabian Sea.
How to Reach Lakshadweep by Air
The only airport in Lakshadweep is Agatti Aerodrome on Agatti Island, which is connected to Kochi Airport in Kerala by regular flights operated by Indian Airlines. The flight duration is about one hour and thirty minutes. You can take a boat or helicopter from Agatti Island to other islands such as Kavaratti, Bangaram, and Kadmat. The boat service is available only from October to May, while the helicopter service is available during the monsoon season, subject to availability.
How to Reach Lakshadweep by Sea
Another option to reach Lakshadweep is by passenger ship from Kochi. There are several options for ferry services from Kochi, run by the Shipping Corporation of India. The journey takes 12 to 20 hours, depending on the destination island. Currently, there are 7 ships providing services – MV Amindivi, MV Arabian Sea, MV Bharat Seema, MV Dweep Setu, MV Kavaratti, MV Lakshadweep Sea and MV Minicoy. You can choose from different class options to suit your budget.
The ships have basic amenities like a cafeteria serving meals and beverages, an entertainment lounge and medical facilities in case of emergencies during the voyage. They screen movies on the upper deck and promenade area to keep passengers engaged, where travelers can relax and soak in the sea views. Overall, these ships’ services provide a convenient option to access Lakshadweep islands. The journey by ship gives one a taste of the relaxed island lifestyle as you cruise through the blue waters of the Arabian Sea for hours. This can be a different but memorable experience for those who prefer a slower and more comfortable mode of transport.
What to Pack for a Trip to Lakshadweep?
Lakshadweep is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, lovely palm-fringed islands and crystal-clear lagoons. What makes packing for Lakshadweep a unique challenge is the culture, hot and humid weather, and limited shopping opportunities once you are on the island. Hence, it’s important to pack wisely for your Lakshadweep vacation to ensure comfort and convenience during your island getaway.
Clothing and Footwear
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Light cotton kurtas, kaftans and dresses: The minimum clothing you need for Lakshadweep is comfortable cotton tops and bottoms. Pick summer-ready kurtas, short and long kaftans and cotton dresses in breezy fabrics like cotton-linen blends. Stick to neutral shades like white, beige, blues and pastels.
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Shorts and T-shirts: A pair of Bermuda or knee-length shorts and 2-3 casual T-shirts are must-haves for lounging at the beach and resort. Pack cotton or linen fabrics that breathe well.
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Swimwear: Pack 2-3 swimsuits and swim trunks. Choose quick-dry material that doesn’t absorb a lot of water. Consider rash guards and swim shirts for extra sun protection.
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Footwear: Take 2 pairs of sandals – flip flops for the beach and poolside and walking sandals for sightseeing and strolling around the islands.
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Hat and sunglasses: These are essential accessories to protect from the harsh tropical sun. Take a broad-brimmed hat and high-quality sunglasses with UV protection.
Toiletries and Beauty
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Sun protection: You must carry a sunscreen lotion with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from the strong tropical sun. Take a spray-on or lotion sunscreen to reapply frequently during the day.
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Moisturizer: Your skin will need extra moisturization in the humid weather. Pack a travel-size moisturizing lotion.
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Lip balm: Lip balm is another important product for chapped lips that come with constant exposure to sun, sea and wind.
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Insect repellent: Spray-on mosquito repellent will help you enjoy the outdoors comfortably at night.
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Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizers are useful for cleaning hands when soap and water are unavailable. Get travel-size bottles.
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Essentials: The bare minimum would be toothpaste, toothbrush, comb and soap. Carry aloe vera gel and antiseptic cream too.
Other Essentials
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Day bag: A lightweight cotton tote or backpack to carry your daily essentials while on the islands.
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Electronics: Consider only the essential devices, i.e., a smartphone, portable wireless speaker, DSLR camera (if you prefer), a charger and a power bank.
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Cash and cards: Keep enough cash for your island stay. Credit or debit cards are not widely accepted there.
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Travel documents: Don’t forget to carry copies of important documents like ID proof and travel itinerary.
This covers the basics for a comfortable and affordable trip packing list for Lakshadweep. Focus on clothing in breathable fabrics, sun protection products, comfortable footwear and basic travel essentials – keeping simplicity and practicality in mind for your island adventure.
Important Tips and Guidelines
Lakshadweep offers amazing beaches, crystal clear waters and a paradisiacal experience. But you should remember a few things before and during your visit to make the most of your Lakshadweep vacation. Here are some tips and guidelines for a safe and enjoyable holiday in Lakshadweep.
Before You Go
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Check the weather – Lakshadweep has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperature all year round. The temperature ranges from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from June to September.
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Apply for an Inner Line Permit – An Indian citizen needs an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Lakshadweep. Apply for the ILP at least 15 days in advance through the Lakshadweep Administration website.
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Book your resort and transport in advance – Hotels like seaplanes and boats get fully booked in peak season. Make bookings at least 2-3 months in advance for the best choice and rates.
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Get your travel insurance done – Medical facilities are limited on the islands, so good travel insurance is crucial in emergencies.
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Get your COVID vaccination completed – Lakshadweep may require you to be fully vaccinated for COVID before traveling there. Check the latest guidelines before booking your trip.
On The Island
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Avoid plastic – Lakshadweep has banned plastic and polythene bags. Do not carry any plastic items with you to the islands. Avoid using plastic water bottles.
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Respect local culture and traditions – Lakshadweep has a predominantly Muslim population. Dress conservatively and respect local cultural and religious sensitivities.
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Do not litter – Fine for littering is Rs. 2,000. Properly dispose of waste in designated bins or carry back your waste to the mainland.
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Do not damage corals – Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular in Lakshadweep. Avoid touching or standing on coral to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
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Drive carefully – Motorized vehicles are found on just a few islands, and roads may be narrow. Follow traffic rules and drive slowly.
Conclusion
Lakshadweep is truly an island paradise waiting to be explored. The pristine beaches, azure lagoons and lush palm groves make it a divine tropical escape. Reaching Lakshadweep involves a combination of flights and ferry rides, but the journey is as spectacular as the destination.
So what are you waiting for? Make that trip to Lakshadweep a priority on your travel bucket list this year. Pack your bags, book your tickets and hop on that seaplane to lose yourself among the beautiful islands of Lakshadweep!
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